Leadership Searches
Vice President for Research Search
The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø (ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø) seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader and scholar who will work across colleges and disciplines to accelerate ºÚÁϳԹÏ꿉۪s research enterprise and amplify its impact. This role is pivotal in building on the university’s existing strengths and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and discovery—advancing ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø toward its goal of becoming a top 25 public research university.
Through strategic partnerships and support for both faculty and student research, the Vice President for Research will champion initiatives that drive breakthroughs, foster interdisciplinary solutions, and strengthen ºÚÁϳԹÏ꿉۪s position as a leader in addressing global challenges.
About ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Research
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is committed to bold research with real impact. As a vital component of one of the nation’s leading research universities, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Research delivers high-quality service, proactive guidance, and solution-oriented resources that empower researchers to pursue ambitious projects and collaborations. These efforts also create opportunities for students to engage in undergraduate research that enhances experiential learning and better prepares them for careers that shape the future.
At ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, research and innovation drive progress—from breakthroughs in health care, AI, and environmental resilience to humanities scholarship that deepens cultural understanding, informs ethical decision-making, and strengthens civic life. Last year, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø secured a record amount of research funding, fueling discoveries and technologies that improve quality of life and strengthen economic vitality. Our researchers are shaping a better future for Tampa Bay, Florida, and the nation. Learn more about ºÚÁϳԹÏ꿉۪s research impact.
About the Role
The next Vice President for Research (VPR) will join ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø at a time of great change and opportunity. The VPR will serve as a strategic thought partner as the President and Provost seek to transform ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Research, connect the university’s academic units in creative ways, and fulfill the most ambitious research goals in ºÚÁϳԹÏ꿉۪s history. In keeping with a strong history of shared governance and excellence, the VPR will balance decisiveness with a consultative approach, leveraging the strengths of ºÚÁϳԹÏ꿉۪s leaders and setting a strategic vision to advance ºÚÁϳԹÏ꿉۪s emergent and established strengths.
As the Chief Research Officer, the VPR will establish themselves as a national figure,
actively networking with federal agencies, industry partners, and nonprofit funders
to stay abreast of emerging areas of national priority and to center and expand ºÚÁϳԹÏ꿉۪s
influence in its drive toward grander impact and innovation. They must bring both
a strong record of research excellence in their own field and a deep and active curiosity
for the breadth of research and scholarship across all disciplines at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
Review the position profile.
Applications, Inquiries, & Nominations
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the search process is completed. Applications, inquiries, and nominations should be submitted confidentially to the search team via the Isaacson, Miller website: .
Search Advisory Committee Members
- Dr. Sudeep Sarkar, Committee Chair, Dean, Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing
- Dr. Thomas Frazer, Dean, College of Marine Science
- Dr. AnnMarie Gunn, Professor, College of Education
- Dr. Richard Heller, Professor, College of Engineering and Morsani College of Medicine
- Dr. Tim Holcomb, Chief Executive Officer, Embarc Collective
- Dr. Brett Kemker, Interim Regional Chancellor and Vice Provost, Academic Affairs and Student Success
- Dr. Charles Lockwood, Executive Vice President, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health Dean, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health Morsani College of Medicine
- Dr. Sunil Mithas, Professor, Muma College of Business
- Dr. Lindsey "Les" Shaw, Professor & Associate Chair, College of Arts and Sciences
- Dr. Elizabeth Spiller, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
- Mr. Jay Stroman, Senior Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Affairs and CEO, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Foundation
- Dr. Levi Thompson, Dean, College of Engineering
- Ms. Nancy Watkins, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Trustee, Robert Watkins & Company
- Ms. Dena-Rose Wilson, Director, Institutional Research Effectiveness & Assessment; Research Integrity Officer
Search Committee & Public Meetings
Search Advisory Committee Meeting
May 29, 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Dial In: +1 813-694-2079,,858379682#
Virtual Interview
July 9, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Dial In: +1 813-694-2079,,782843838#
Virtual Interview
July 10, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Dial In: +1 813-694-2079,,700021166#